BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare Bachelor's degree at the University of Aberdeen

You will utilise a robust approach to statistical analysis, a skill highly valued by employers and researchers. Lectures provide context, background and step-by step guidance on how to conduct and interpret a selection of statistical analyses. Through a series of exercises, you learn to explore data, to specify appropriate linear models for your research question and to interpret their results. Online tests structured around the exercises and lecture content allow you to demonstrate your achieve

This course considers the evolution, physiology and behaviour of domestic, companion and captive wild animals in relation to their husbandry and care. You will apply your knowledge of biology and zoology to the improvement of management practices and to the enhancement of animal welfare. Field trips to local farms and a wildlife park will allow you to observe industry standards for captive animal welfare. By researching and presenting a seminar on ethical issues related to animals in captivity,

Fundamental concepts of animal behaviour are introduced through a series of lectures and practicals, essential knowledge for those interested in better understanding animal behaviour as well as potentially undertaking an animal behaviour Honours project. During the practicals students are encouraged to reflect on the theoretical knowledge learned during the lectures and apply that in explaining the observed behaviour of animals. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understandi

This non-credit bearing course will facilitate your preparation for your Honours project. Lectures will clarify expectations for project work and provide training in risk assessment, consideration of ethical issues, environmental impacts and project planning. Resources to help you define and plan your project will be made available through MyAberdeen, helping you to be confident that your project planning is sufficiently advanced by the end of your Programme Year 3. Submission of an agreed (with

This course emphasises how evolution has shaped the spatial and temporal patterns of animal biodiversity, and how we can use molecular genetic tools to gain a better understanding of what biodiversity means and how we can measure it. In lectures you are guided through the theory of evolution and how this influences patterns of genetic diversity and affects biodiversity. In practical sessions, you gain insight into the microevolutionary processes that can shape genetic variation in natural popula

Students carry out weekly practical activities which provide opportunities to observe animals, learn and practice the methods we use to study behaviour, and improve their ability to ask ecological and evolutionary questions about animal behaviour. Before the practical sessions we give a lecture covering the subject area and methods we will use that week. We conduct sessions at Newburgh seal beach, the Loch of Strathbeg, and in the Science Teaching Hub in Aberdeen. We provide training in the use

In this course you will take your scientific skills to the next level, by carrying out an independent research project within the research group of an academic supervisor. In the span of an entire semester, you will execute the full life cycle of a research project, from initial planning to data collection, analysis and write-up as a manuscript. The course will also focus on developing generic professional skills through workshops and tutorials, providing you with a diverse toolkit for the next

This course will give you the opportunity to learn about contemporary topics in fundamental behavioural ecology and how this knowledge can be applied to improve the conservation and management of animals. Academics working at the cutting edge of behavioural research will report on the state-of-art in their field, while you will gain direct experience of data-based approaches regularly used by researchers. Independent learning activities will encourage further exploration of the latest advances i

Animal welfare is a concept based in science as well as philosophy – welfare can be measured and is important from an economic as well as moral point of view. This course uses a mix of class discussions, site visits, guest lecturers and self-directed study to provide a framework on which students can build and synthesise their knowledge of the science of animal welfare. Student-led activities promote the development of transferable skills such as time management, project planning and reporting.